Big Lakes Services Expanding

There are a lot of folks waiting for services when it comes to Big Lakes Developmental Center’s four county area. That’s according to Executive Director Lori Feldkamp, who addressed Pottawatomie County Commissioners Monday.

Feldkamp adds she’s expecting a 10 to 15 percent increase in services. The unserved number in Big Lakes area is 71, the underserved is 68, with 144 waiting for services. In Pottawatomie County alone 41 are waiting for services.

Feldkamp says her biggest concern moving forward is the capacity to serve. She says there’s a good possibility two or three more group homes may be needed, which would be added to the current 13 group homes.

Commissioners signed a letter of support with Big Lakes, but will examine a service agreement at a later date.

Commissioners also signed an agreement involving the county health department and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, or KDHE, another regarding emergency preparedness, and one that involves an assessment on dealing with electronic health records on certain matters.

County Health Director Leslie Campbell also told commissioners there are some pertussis cases in the county, and everyone is encouraged to get T-dap immunizations. Campbell also mentioned a local emergency planning committee meeting in July.

Excel Lane is getting closer to construction work. Pottawatomie County Commission Chair Stan Hartwich says that was another item on Monday’s commission agenda. An agreement was signed with B-G Consultant for work on Excel Lane.

Contracts were also signed to inspect nine bridges and a contract with the state regarding bridge inspections.

Others on the agenda were Public Works Director Leu Lowery, Noxious Weed Director TimEisenbarth, Zoning Administrator Gregg Webster, and Rosemary Helms and Ben Meek with the Community Health Ministry.